Amazon's Ring Drone Cam took six years to arrive but you can't buy the $249 security drone yet-here's why [Image credit: Amazon]
Amazon's Ring is finally bringing its long-promised flying security camera to market, but customers will have to wait a little longer before they can get one. The Ring Drone Cam was first revealed more than six years ago, yet it is only now approaching its US launch. The company announced the device on November 10, alongside a second security robot designed for businesses. However, there is one important hurdle still standing between the Ring Drone Cam and its first customers: regulatory approval.
That launch never happened. As TechCrunch reported at the time, the device was supposed to give homeowners a way to check areas that fixed security cameras could not easily cover. However, it remained unavailable for years.
Now, Ring has brought the concept back as part of its new Ring Robotics business. The company has not explained in its announcement why the original launch took so long. The information is taken from Amazon News, Nacionale and Reuters.
There is also a regulatory issue. According to the company's notice, the drone still needs approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It cannot be sold or leased until that authorization is granted.
This means the January 27 release date depends on the approval coming through in time.
The device uses Ring's AI Pilot system, which combines cameras, sensors, vision models and cloud processing to map indoor spaces and navigate around obstacles. It offers a 148-degree field of view, 360 degree rotation and 2K video.
Scheduled flights and automatic patrols require a compatible Ring Protect plan. Amazon has not specified which plan is needed or how much it will cost.
Why Did Ring Take Six Years to Launch Its Security Drone?
The Ring Drone Cam is not an entirely new idea. Ring first introduced the concept in September 2020 under the name Always Home Cam. At the time, the company presented it as a $249 autonomous indoor drone and expected it to arrive in 2021.That launch never happened. As TechCrunch reported at the time, the device was supposed to give homeowners a way to check areas that fixed security cameras could not easily cover. However, it remained unavailable for years.
Now, Ring has brought the concept back as part of its new Ring Robotics business. The company has not explained in its announcement why the original launch took so long. The information is taken from Amazon News, Nacionale and Reuters.
Why Can't You Buy the Ring Drone Cam Yet?
Despite the announcement, customers cannot purchase the Ring Drone Cam immediately. Amazon says the device will begin shipping in the US on January 27, 2027, for $249.99. For now, interested buyers can only sign up for email updates.There is also a regulatory issue. According to the company's notice, the drone still needs approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It cannot be sold or leased until that authorization is granted.
This means the January 27 release date depends on the approval coming through in time.
What Can the Ring Drone Cam Actually Do?
Unlike a regular security camera, the Ring Drone Cam can move around the house. It follows preset flight routes and can also take off when a connected Ring camera, sensor or alarm detects an incident.The device uses Ring's AI Pilot system, which combines cameras, sensors, vision models and cloud processing to map indoor spaces and navigate around obstacles. It offers a 148-degree field of view, 360 degree rotation and 2K video.
Scheduled flights and automatic patrols require a compatible Ring Protect plan. Amazon has not specified which plan is needed or how much it will cost.